Just now getting a few minutes to post a note. Unfortunately I don't have access to add pictures . . . but we are in Chicago.
A couple of days ago the group went on a wonderful Kayak adventure on the Black River. Only one kayak tipped over and all were happy and safe! What a quiet bus ride it was after getting worn out from boating!
We finally hit humid weather in Michigan. Prior to that the weather has been wonderful for all we have been doing.
In Chicago we went to the Shedd Aquarium. What a great place! We then walked over to the Water Taxis and rode over to the Sears Tower (103 stories up plus the antennas). After that adventure we spent a few hours at Navy Pier where there were shops, restaurants, amusement rides, boats and lots of people to watch. Trudy rode the swing ride to everyone's amazement! We took some pictures and will send them as soon as a chance comes up.
Unfortunately while we were having all this fun, there were some bus troubles so they towed the bus to a fixit place (with all of our luggage) and sent a replacement bus to take us to our hotel. We managed to get a toothbrush for everyone then settled down for the night. When we woke up this morning our bus was fixed and waiting for us to take us on a long ride to Waverly, Nebraska for our next concert.
Take care and we will see you all Sunday!
Barbara
Friday, June 27, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Finally, a minute to post photos!!
Finding the time to blog and download photos has been more difficult than we hoped, but here are a few. Being on the Wesley Bell Ringer tour means that we are always on the go and rarely sit still, which makes the tour exciting and adventurous, but our down time very limited. Just remember, that for each photo we do not post, it just means that we are having that much more fun!!
This group photo was taken at the Malmark Bell Factory, which is where they make the hand bells and chimes. It was awesome to see the process and they are all done by hand!!
New York--Wow! The Broadway musical "Wicked" was awesome. The dinner beforehand was very entertaining.
We walked our socks off on the streets of Manhattan. And the subway . . . . what an experience for everyone.
The Cathedral of the Pines in New Hampshire--what a beautiful place to play a concert!
And there is always the bus!! The place where we spend a lot of time . . . together . . . . . .
The music is getting better and better with each concert. The kids are wonderful, cooperative and very energetic!!!
Stay tuned for more . . . . .
The WBR
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Pre-empted by Mother Nature!!!
Dear Family & Friends:
We are continuing our journey along the eastern part of the United States and have thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality and the opportunity to play for each community that we have been in thus far. We are spending today (Thursday) sightseeing in New York and are having a great time.
As is always the possibility with National TV, big news stories have caused the CBS Early Show to move their Friday broadcast to an area where events are occurring . They will be covering the Mississippi River flooding in Illinois and Missouri and therefore we will not be appearing on their show on Friday morning, June 20, 2008. The Early Show's producer and staff have worked very hard to provide alternate times that we can appear, but unfortunately our schedule allows very little flexibility and we hope that their offer will be open for future opportunities. While we are disappointed, the thought of sleeping a few extra hours is welcomed and also allows us to do a little more sightseeing in New York City. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the flood victims in the Midwest and we wish them the best.
We will continue on our music ministry to those on the remainder of our schedule and look forward to each one. Please continue to follow us on our journey through this blog. We appreciate the comments and support that we have received.
In God's name,
The Wesley Bell Ringers of Christ United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City, UT
We are continuing our journey along the eastern part of the United States and have thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality and the opportunity to play for each community that we have been in thus far. We are spending today (Thursday) sightseeing in New York and are having a great time.
As is always the possibility with National TV, big news stories have caused the CBS Early Show to move their Friday broadcast to an area where events are occurring . They will be covering the Mississippi River flooding in Illinois and Missouri and therefore we will not be appearing on their show on Friday morning, June 20, 2008. The Early Show's producer and staff have worked very hard to provide alternate times that we can appear, but unfortunately our schedule allows very little flexibility and we hope that their offer will be open for future opportunities. While we are disappointed, the thought of sleeping a few extra hours is welcomed and also allows us to do a little more sightseeing in New York City. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the flood victims in the Midwest and we wish them the best.
We will continue on our music ministry to those on the remainder of our schedule and look forward to each one. Please continue to follow us on our journey through this blog. We appreciate the comments and support that we have received.
In God's name,
The Wesley Bell Ringers of Christ United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City, UT
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Our First Concerts
What a whirl wind trip we have had so far! Each night has taken us to a new church with fabulous congregations. For the most part we have been in fairly rural areas, playing for small congregations. Our musical ministry has been very well received.
We performed Saturday evening and again Sunday morning in Highland Heights, Kentucky. One gentleman, talking with Terry and I, commented that he was "positive if he could hear the bells ringing in heaven, what he heard from us would be it!"
Duff Street UMC in Clarksburg, West Virginia, is facing huge decisions regarding the condition of the building they worship in. One section of the building is shifting causing cracks in the walls. It is a very old structure on the Historical list in the community, the stained glass windows are exquisite. The decision they will need to make soon is whether or not they can afford to repair the building, or if it will need to be torn down to make room for a new one. Yet with the storm building around their personal needs, they still found time to tie a prayer quilt for us, which they presented at the concert. People are absolutely amazing in their ability to hold other's up while navigating difficult waters themselves.
Today we were able to play tourist a little for the first time. We visited the great city of Philidelphia, Pennsylvania. We were able to visit Independence Hall and see where the Declaration of Independence was signed. During the day we visited Ben Franklin's grave, Christ's Church (where we were impressed with the fellow talking about being a part of living History), Betsy Ross's home, walked through history in the visitor's center, and then stopped off in the Constitution Center museum to hear and see more about what our constitution allows us as citizens of the United States.
Our concert this evening was in Christina's family's area. Her parents and relatives along with almost 300 people cheered us on through our evening performance. It is nice to see familiar faces at this point in our trip. It helps stave off some of the homesickness that is starting to set in.
Tomorrow we will visit the Malmark factory, which is where our bells are manufactured.
Stay tuned,
Tracey
We performed Saturday evening and again Sunday morning in Highland Heights, Kentucky. One gentleman, talking with Terry and I, commented that he was "positive if he could hear the bells ringing in heaven, what he heard from us would be it!"
Duff Street UMC in Clarksburg, West Virginia, is facing huge decisions regarding the condition of the building they worship in. One section of the building is shifting causing cracks in the walls. It is a very old structure on the Historical list in the community, the stained glass windows are exquisite. The decision they will need to make soon is whether or not they can afford to repair the building, or if it will need to be torn down to make room for a new one. Yet with the storm building around their personal needs, they still found time to tie a prayer quilt for us, which they presented at the concert. People are absolutely amazing in their ability to hold other's up while navigating difficult waters themselves.
Today we were able to play tourist a little for the first time. We visited the great city of Philidelphia, Pennsylvania. We were able to visit Independence Hall and see where the Declaration of Independence was signed. During the day we visited Ben Franklin's grave, Christ's Church (where we were impressed with the fellow talking about being a part of living History), Betsy Ross's home, walked through history in the visitor's center, and then stopped off in the Constitution Center museum to hear and see more about what our constitution allows us as citizens of the United States.
Our concert this evening was in Christina's family's area. Her parents and relatives along with almost 300 people cheered us on through our evening performance. It is nice to see familiar faces at this point in our trip. It helps stave off some of the homesickness that is starting to set in.
Tomorrow we will visit the Malmark factory, which is where our bells are manufactured.
Stay tuned,
Tracey
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Getting Started
One rehearsal to go! All of us are looking forward to loading the bus on Thursday, June 12 and beginning our journey. Prayers for the ringers, the chaperones and our bus driver are always appreciated. Check in with us from time to time for updates on our tour.
Peace and Joy!
Terry
Peace and Joy!
Terry
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Wesley Bell Ringers on Tour!
The Wesley Bell Ringers will leave on their summer tour on June 12, 2008, visiting 11 states and performing 14 times. Twenty five teenagers, chaperones, directors and ten octaves of bells will load on a bus to head from Salt Lake City to the Eastern seaboard.
The hosting churches will provide meals, a comfortable bed and an opportunity to meet new friends across the country.
The Bell Ringers have supported the tour through various fundraising projects, squeezed in between twice-weekly rehearsals, numerous local performances and a myriad of high school activities. Some of the fundraisers include:
The hosting churches will provide meals, a comfortable bed and an opportunity to meet new friends across the country.
The Bell Ringers have supported the tour through various fundraising projects, squeezed in between twice-weekly rehearsals, numerous local performances and a myriad of high school activities. Some of the fundraisers include:
- Two huge rummage sales which raised some $20,000
- Rent-A-Ringer (kids hired themselves out to do odd jobs)
- A Valentine's dance and dinner
- Pancake breakfasts
- Christmas gift wrap sales
2008 Tour Dates:
Saturday, June 14
Asbury United Methodist Church
2916 Alexandria Pike
Highland Heights, KY 41076
Sunday, June 15
Duff United Methodist
400 Duff Ave.
Clarksburg, WV 26301
Monday, June 16
Delran United Methodist Church
30 Conrow Rd.
Delran, NJ
Tuesday, June 17
St. Andrews United Methodist Church
999 York Rd.
Warminster, PA 18974
Wednesday, June 18
Sea Cliff United Methodist Church
Carpenter and Downing Ave.
P.O. Box 190
Sea Cliff, NY 11579
Friday, June 20
First UMC of Warren
25 Church St.
Warren, RI 02885
Saturday, June 21-- 5:30 p.m.
Cathedral of the Pines
Rindge, NH
Sunday, June 22
United Methodist Church of Williamson
4146 Ridge Rd.
P.O. Box 172
Williamson, NY 14589
Monday, June 23
Church of the Cross
5901 Millfair Rd.
Fairview, PA 16415
Tuesday, June 24
Thornapple Community Church
3260 Thornapple River Dr. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Wednesday, June 25
Huntertown United Methodist Church
16021 Lima Rd.
Huntertown, IN 46748
Friday, June 27
Waverly United Methodist Church
14410 Folkstone St.
Waverly, NE 68462
Saturday, June 28
Broomfield United Methodist Church
545 W. 10th Ave.
Broomfield, CO 80020
Sunday, June 29
Christ United Methodist Church
2375 E 3300 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84109
Audio Links
Wesley Bells Ringers Samples
These are large files and may take a moment to download.
Finale from Symphony No. 2 in D Major - Charles Marie Widor
The Stars and Stripes Forever - John Philip Sousa
O Holy Night - Adolphe C. Adam
These are large files and may take a moment to download.
Finale from Symphony No. 2 in D Major - Charles Marie Widor
The Stars and Stripes Forever - John Philip Sousa
O Holy Night - Adolphe C. Adam
A Brief History
In 1963 nine bored teenagers from Christ United Methodist Church sold sandwiches for six months and made enough money to buy twenty-five hand bells. The Wesley Bell Ringers became the first hand bell choir in Utah. Fast forward 45 years and over 400 high school aged students have played in the choir which has expanded to 10 octaves of English hand bells, and two octaves each of hand chimes, cup bells, silver melody bells and a carillon. All of the money for purchasing equipment and touring to perform has been raised through the fundraising activities of these dedicated youth.
The Bells Ringers have recorded 16 tapes and CDs. Each summer the choir travels across North America sharing their music. The choir has performed in all 50 states as well as all of the Canadian provinces. They have played at Mount Rushmore, Disney World, The Cathedral of the Pines National Memorial, the 2002 Winter Olympics and the United States Capitol. They have made joint appearances with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Utah Symphony.
The purpose of the choir is to glorify God through the performance of music, and to leave all they encounter with a greater hope for the future by showing what youth can accomplish through hard work, commitment and teamwork.
The Bells Ringers have recorded 16 tapes and CDs. Each summer the choir travels across North America sharing their music. The choir has performed in all 50 states as well as all of the Canadian provinces. They have played at Mount Rushmore, Disney World, The Cathedral of the Pines National Memorial, the 2002 Winter Olympics and the United States Capitol. They have made joint appearances with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Utah Symphony.
The purpose of the choir is to glorify God through the performance of music, and to leave all they encounter with a greater hope for the future by showing what youth can accomplish through hard work, commitment and teamwork.
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